Bleaching Asian Hair – Tips & Maintenance

In February, I had the opportunity to be a hair model during a freehand balayage session. Needless to say, I was excited because I’d never bleached my hair before so when the opportunity presented itself, I jumped at the chance.  I loved the result.

CaramelBalayage

I just never realised how quickly I would lose those beautiful caramel tones. There was quite a dramatic change in the left pic (taken 2 weeks later) when I’d only washed my hair twice and the third pic taken 11 weeks after my colouring sesh. It was like I’d washed my hair that second time but my hair said Nope. You don’t get to keep that colour. 

When I originally had it coloured in February, I was advised to go back in two months for more toner but wondered how people take care of it at home. I’d read that Olaplex 3 and purple shampoos were good at removing a lot of the brassy tones but wondered why so many used purple when the Fanola blue shampoo had No Orange in the name. The blue just seemed like a no-brainer so I ordered that and the Olaplex 3.

When they arrived, I was anxious to try both products but they didn’t really make any difference. By this time, it was three months after my Bayalage session. I was so fed up I booked an appointment to either have it recoloured or chop a few more inches off.

During my consultation, I decided to do both opting for a darker colour so it looked more like my natural colour. I also listed the products I already had at home so she could advise me on the best way to look after my recoloured hair. First, wash my hair with Label.m Colour Stay shampoo, followed by the Fanola No Orange (blue) shampoo and then leave the Olaplex 3 in my hair for as long as I can. At the same time, I don’t think air drying my hair was doing me any favours but that’s how I’ve dried my hair ever since I can remember. Lastly, rinse the Olaplex out and finish with my conditioner.

Coloured3mth

This is only the second time I’ve completed this routine since I’m only washing my hair once a week. So is it worth it? Short answer, yes. But I don’t really enjoy having to spend so much longer on hair maintenance. Thankfully, I do think it’s worth the effort because I do like the colour.

So a couple of weeks ago, I took the plunge and invested in a microfibre towel because I’d heard they were especially good for colour treated hair.

KitschTurban

I figured they’d be good at reducing the amount of drying time and thought the residual heat could only help the Olaplex do its thing. But that’s wasn’t the initial reason I was excited. A couple of months beforehand, I’d seen this headband and thought it was really cool, especially with the palm print.

You guys, there’s a hole for your hair, people!! That’s genius!

I mean, who wants a regular run-of-the-mill headband, scrunchie or hairclip when you can use this hol🕳y version especially on masking days?? When I noticed the matching microfibre turban and shower cap… well, who was I to say no?

Two weeks later, these products are the bee’s knees. My hair is soft and the colour is slowly fading into a medium brown. :D

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